The Deck, Bracknell

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership

The redevelopment of the old Bentalls department store is fundamental to the overall masterplan proposals for Bracknell Town Centre and The Lexicon development. PWA achieved a detailed planning consent for A3 and leisure use focussed around a new flexible public event space within the heart of the Town.

The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership is a joint venture between Legal & General and Schroders UK working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, which is undertaking the major regeneration of Bracknell Town Centre in order to fundamentally change the landscape of the town. The new scheme, branded ‘The Lexicon’ opened in September 2017.

PWA was appointed to prepare a detailed planning application for the re-development of the Bentalls department store site in the heart of the masterplan scheme, including new restaurants, bars and leisure facilities focussed around a partly enclosed flexible event space.

The proposals completed the figure of eight retail circuit throughout the Town, strengthening the connection between the existing Princess Square Shopping Centre and new Lexicon development. This was a key aspect to the scheme in order to maintain the success of the existing Princess Square Shopping Centre.

The design included a re-design of the public realm between the existing store and The Bull Public House to create a new public square with the ambition to become the focal point of the Town Centre. Grand civic steps and curved double height fenestration of the prime A3 units create an inviting arena leading up to the new flexible event space with further A3 units facing onto it with a strong link on to the existing Princess Square. The roof structure whilst functionally offering protection from the down drafts of Ocean House creates a focus and striking backdrop for staged events.

The scheme also animates the Ring Road with leisure and retail uses along with the opening up of the end of the High Street as part of an improved new thoroughfare into the heart of The Lexicon, an aspiration that was well received by the council’s planning officers.

Through considered liaison with the consultant team and local authority and following a very positive public consultation the scheme received planning consent in early 2017.